i have a 3 week old that is constipated.....what can i do?

Answer 1

Why do you think he's constipated?

It's completely normal a) for newborns to go up to a week (yup, you read that right) without pooping; and b) to grunt and strain and go all red in the face when they go.

Especially if you're nursing, your baby is unlikely to be constipated.

However, if you really think he is, my pediatrician always suggested taking a rectal temperature. She said that the very gentle stimulation can be just what your baby needs to get things moving again.

Whatever you do, please don't give your baby any Karo syrup or prune juice or any of the other crazy things people will tell you. That stuff is NOT good for newborns. Call your pediatrician before you feed your baby anything out of the ordinary.

Answer 2

Depends on if s/he is breastfeeding or formula fed. How do you know the baby is constipated? Is s/he straining and grunting and crying alot (this doesn't always mean constipation - means the baby could just be getting used to her/his body)? Does his/her stomach feel a little hard when you rub it? How long has it been since his/her last bowel movement?

Basically breastfed babies are very rarely if ever constipatd until they start solids. With a baby that young - I would doubt it was constipation, more likely gas. But if you truly think constipation then see below.

Formula fed babies can sometimes get that way - I know my niece was constipated quite a bit until my sister added another ounce of water to the formula bottles to think it out a bit - and she was using an iron fortified formula which also makes it worse.

Try doing bicyle legs (kick baby's legs in a bicycle motion) and try giving the baby a massage that includes the belly.

It is normal for some babies to not always poop every diaper change - but usually this doesn't start til around 6+ weeks. I would check with the doctor before trying anything else - but for my daughter my ped. suggestion (when she was older - about 3 months) 1 ounce of prune juice to 2 ounces of water fed in a bottle- sometimes apple juice works the same - but remember this should be a last resort because juice is much too sweet for a baby that young.

Another option I've heard is using a rectal thermometer and applying petroleum jelly and inserting it as if you were taking his/her temp.. it stimulates the area - once again - I would not try that unless a doc suggest it - and personally would not feel comfortable doing it since I've never atken a rectal temp - I wouldn't want to hurt her. Also - I've heard that you don't want to use this method too often cause the body will get used to needing to be stimulated to go #2 - not sure how true it is, but anything is possible.

Last resort would be a baby fleet suppository - once again once after a doctor says so.

Basically be absolutely sure its constipation before trying to treat it - it could just be gas - which means you could just use Mylicon drops or something to try and help.

Good luck :)

Answer 3

are u sure he is constipated #1? Constipation is not him pushing hard and grunting, its when the poop comes out like pellets. So if he is the 1st thing id do is call the doc if u are concerned- but u could also put a thermometer (rectal and digital- NO MERCURY) in a jar of vaseline and insert in 1/2 an inch into his rectum b/c alot of times that gives them the stimulation they need to push it out and if that doesnt work either a 1/2 of an INFANT suppository capsule cut the long way- or even a small amt. of prune juice mixed with water. But id use the thermomter first cuz that usually works but if it doesnt id call ur pedi, b4 trying the other 2 b/c hes so little. Good luck!

Answer 4

I had this problem as well when my son was younger, and when I called his pediatrician, she recommended suppositories that are sold over the counter. They sell them for infants, and they're really easy to give. This unclogged him right away, and I only had the problem a few more times after that. Have you changed formulas or anything? That can definitely cause it, and sometimes it just takes a little time for the baby to get used to it. If you're really worried about it, give the doctor a call and see what they recommend. Most likely it'll be the suppositories, since I haven't heard of anything else that relieves constipation in infants. Good luck!

Answer 5

Figure the problem..most likely its the formula..the formula isnt digesting properly and is making the babby constipated..which usually leads to colicky babys.

try switching formulas..verybestbaby.com has a good explanation of how to switch..i strongly recommend nestle goodstart.

try Hylands colic tablets and baby bliss gripe water (both found at drug stores..both are natural..both work well with the stomach and constipation..i had to give my newborn 1-2 tablets/and gripewater sometimes to get her to feel better when she was colicky..both are easy to dispense..the tablet just put in the back of babys mouth..gripewater is dipensed via syringe that is provided..also works well for hiccups!)

also try using a different bottle..like dr browns widenecks..reduces air intake..also playtex ventair naturalshape work well

if your breastfeeding..are you eating right? that could cause the baby to get constipated also..what you eat nutrition wise can pass through milk.

also do NOT try the Karo syrup..or anything like that..

you may try WATER or a few bites of Prunes. or the Colic tablets/gripe water are very safe remedies

Answer 6

DO NOT give a three week old juice!! I have had two boys of my own and fostered a baby girl and ALL their pediatricians said use a small amount of Karo syrup in the bottom of the bottle. It will keep your baby regular. You have to monitor your child's bowel movements close to know whether or not to use it in every bottle.

Answer 7

Are you breastfeeding? Breastmilk is a natural laxative and it's rare for an exclusively BF baby to be constipated.

What makes you think your child is constipated? Is he having very dry, hard, formed stools? That's constipation.

Is he just having a hard time (straining) to go? That can be normal for a very young baby as their muscles are immature.

Answer 8

I'm sorry to hear your peanut is backed up.I have an 8 week old and we are "recovering" from the same problem. The pediatrician recommended diluted apple juice. My grandmother recommended karo syrup. I ?'d the Dr. and they agreed it is safe and to use 1TBSP. in 2oz of formula twice a day until it returns to a 'pudding' consistency. Best of luck to you both!!

Answer 9

other than talking to your doctor. give then at least 4 oz water. It could be the formula the baby is drinking maybe it has to much iron. If not trying giving your baby prunes or plums from gerber. It should take effect within a couple of hours.

Answer 10

If it hasn't been 7 days the baby is ok if it has been longer you need to call the doctor he'll probably tell you to give him a very little bit of juice 1 ounce juice two ounces water or you may need to change formula to low iron